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State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Economic Development (in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration). This program aims to increase the number of small businesses that export internationally and increase export values. It provides matching grants to businesses for eligible expenses related to trade shows, marketing, and training programs.
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State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) - Nebraska Department of Economic Development State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is an International Financial Assistance Program to support export efforts of eligible small businesses in Nebraska. The program is made possible by funding to the State of Nebraska from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
STEP grants operate on a reimbursement basis for qualified small Nebraska businesses. Successful applicants are reimbursed for eligible expenses when their project/activity has been completed and required documentation has been submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED). STEP 13 requires matching funds equal to 25% of the direct cost of program-eligible expenses.
Example: $10,000 total expenses, the program will require $2,500 contribution from the participant. Companies applying for STEP Grant funding must be US owned and operated, and headquartered in Nebraska to process, manufacture, and/or distribute a product or provide an exportable service at the time of application. Produce exportable product with at least 51% U.S. content, Meet SBA “Eligible Small Business Concern” size guidelines sba.
gov/size Being in business at least one year, US owned and operating in the United States; The following are examples of activities a STEP grant can support: Participation in domestic or international trade shows Participation in subscription services from the U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign market sales trip Participation in export training/educational activities Step by step instructions for submitting a State Trade Expansion Program Year 13 application.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Application Deadlines: Open Cycle Title File Type Date Debarment Certification Form Yr-11 PDF October 27, 2022 Fly America Act Waiver Checklist PDF April 15, 2024 Fly American Act Policy 2-4-16 PDF October 27, 2022 Itemized Budget Report (IBR) STEP Year 13 September 5, 2025 SBA Self-Representation Form PDF October 27, 2022 STEP Program Guidelines Yr-11 PDF April 16, 2024 Grant Management Help Center This page will provide technical assistance on using AmpliFund to apply for and manage grants awarded by DED.
Stay up to date on the latest news. Have questions about STEP grants? Economic Development Manager isadora.
sutton@nebraska. gov
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nebraska businesses seeking to expand their export programs. Eligible businesses can get a 25% matching grant to cover eligible expenses. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is funded by Nebraska Department of Economic Development (in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Nebraska. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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